Cafeterias, shops, and other local establishments in Barcelona are these days becoming exhibition spaces and cultural activities thanks to the initiative Barris Vius (Living Neighborhoods), promoted by Vuélvete Local with the collaboration of Hemera Hub.
The project seeks to create new meeting points between local commerce, creators, and citizens through a free program distributed across different neighborhoods of the city. You can consult all activities on this website.
In this way, they bring art closer to commerce and transform participating businesses into stages where emerging artists can exhibit their work.
These first days of July, the establishments have hosted almost forty cultural proposals, including exhibitions, talks, workshops, demonstrations, and experiences linked to their own activity.
Businesses converted into cultural spaces
In addition to exhibiting works of art, the shops have also been able to showcase their craft and strengthen the connection with the neighborhood, visitors, and local creators.
The program continues on July 10 and 11 with more than 40 free activities, with new experiences organized by the participating establishments, distributed among different businesses in Barcelona.
A campaign to bring tourism closer to local commerce
Barris Vius also includes the campaign Tourists, Treat Us Like Home, an action that invites people visiting Barcelona to discover the city through its local commerce.
The initiative has been deployed in areas of high tourist traffic such as Portal de l'Àngel, el Born, el Gòtic, and Jaume I, with the aim of promoting a tourism model more linked to neighborhoods and local businesses. To carry it out, the project has had the collaboration of Bamboo Bike Tours and the participation of local tourist guides.
What is Vuélvete Local?
Vuélvete Local is a project born in Barcelona with the aim of giving more visibility to small businesses and bringing them closer to citizens. It does so through a digital platform that brings together a map of local businesses, a marketplace, and an events agenda, but also through revitalization actions in the city, such as fairs, collaborations, and initiatives like Barris Vius.
Behind the project are Lara Fernández, founder and strategy manager; Sara Palazón, communication manager, and Laia Martínez, responsible for the technological development of the platform.
You can find more information on their website or Instagram.
